Little Kitten – Harry Potter and the Order of Phlebotomists

A new blood type test has been developed that takes a page right out of Tom Riddle’s diary:

“The paper device was printed with a hydrophobic reagent (compounds that repel water) except for the areas marked with the blood type letters. The team then introduced antibodies into each letter, for example, antibody A into letter A, antibody B into letter B.

A blood sample was then added into all the letters, mixed with corresponding antibodies and rinsed with a saline solution. If the red blood cells in letter A react with antibody A, they will clump together forming a large lump that will not rinse clear, leaving a clearly visible letter A.

Professor Shen said such low-cost and easy to understand sensors could be used in disease screening, medical emergencies and disaster response.”